Hate-Motivated Behavior Policy

In order to create a safe learning environment for all students, the Board of Education desires to protect the right of every student to be free from hate-motivated behavior and will promote harmonious relationships that enable students to gain a true understanding of the civil rights and social responsibilities of people in our society.  The Board of Education prohibits discriminatory behavior or statements that degrade an individual on the basis of his/her actual or perceived race, ethnicity, culture, heritage, gender, sexual orientation, physical/mental attributes, religious beliefs or practices.

The Superintendent or designee shall collaborate with regional programs and community organizations to promote safe environments for youth. These efforts shall be focused on providing an efficient use of District and community resources.

The Superintendent or designee shall ensure that staff receive training on recognizing hate-motivated behavior and on strategies to help respond appropriately to such behavior.

Procedures

Any student who feels that he/she is a victim of hate-motivated behavior shall immediately contact the Coordinator for Nondiscrimination/Director or designee. Upon receiving such a complaint, the Coordinator/Director shall immediately investigate the complaint in accordance with school-level complaint process/grievance procedures as described in AR 5145.7 - Sexual Harassment. A student who has been found to have demonstrated hate-motivated behavior shall be subject to discipline in accordance with law, Board policy, and administrative regulation.

Staff who receive notice of hate-motivated behavior or personally observe such behavior shall notify the Coordinator/Director, principal, Superintendent or designee, and law enforcement, as appropriate.  Students demonstrating hate-motivated behavior shall be subject to discipline in accordance with Board policy and administrative regulation.

In addition, the district shall provide counseling and appropriate sensitivity training and diversity education for students exhibiting hate-motivated behavior.  The district shall also provide counseling, guidance and support, as necessary, to those students who are the victims of hate-motivated behavior.

The Superintendent or designee shall ensure that staff receive appropriate training to recognize hate-motivated behavior and methods for handling such behavior in appropriate ways.

The district shall provide age-appropriate instruction to help promote understanding of and respect for human rights.

At the beginning of each school year, students and staff shall receive a copy of the district's policy on hate-motivated behavior.